Cali stays awake for fear of aftershocks and worried about her family: "People are looking for somewhere to go"

Over 12,000 homes were destroyed and more than 74,000 damaged in a devastating earthquake that struck Colombia, leaving thousands homeless and families in crisis. The disaster hit the country hard, with reports indicating widespread destruction across multiple regions. The epicenter was near Cali, one of the largest cities in Colombia, where the tremors caused extensive damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid, though many remain trapped under rubble. The earthquake occurred early on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, just before dawn. Residents in Cali, including those living in high-rise apartment complexes, were caught off guard by the sudden shaking. Many described the experience as terrifying, with walls cracking and furniture toppling. In one such account, a woman named Alicia, who had returned to her hometown for vacation, recounted how she and her mother were shaken awake by the quake. She described the building’s sixth-floor unit as trembling violently, with objects falling from shelves and parts of the structure collapsing. Her mother, who was inside the bathroom, was among those affected. The incident left both women stranded until emergency workers arrived. Authorities confirmed that over 95 people lost their lives in Cali alone, with hundreds more injured. At least 86 individuals were rescued from the debris, while 239 others remained trapped beneath collapsed structures. The city's mayor, Alejandro Eder, reported that 56 buildings had fully collapsed, further complicating rescue efforts. Power and water supplies were disrupted in many areas, forcing residents to rely on temporary shelters and assistance from neighbors. Some communities were cut off entirely, with roads blocked due to landslides and fallen structures. In the aftermath, residents expressed deep concern about the safety of their loved ones and the stability of their surroundings. Alicia described how the community came together during the chaos, with volunteers helping elderly residents evacuate to safer ground. Despite the lack of electricity and internet, local authorities managed to restore some basic services, providing food and shelter to those displaced. However, the uncertainty surrounding potential aftershocks kept many awake through the night, fearing another major shake. As the search for missing persons continued, the focus shifted to ensuring the well-being of those still trapped. Rescue teams used advanced equipment to scan for signs of life, while medical personnel worked alongside them to treat the wounded. Local hospitals reported being overwhelmed by the influx of patients, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Meanwhile, relief organizations began coordinating with government agencies to distribute essential supplies, including blankets, food, and clean drinking water. The earthquake has sparked a broader conversation about urban resilience and disaster preparedness in Colombia. Experts warn that the country, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to frequent seismic activity. While immediate response efforts continue, long-term strategies will be necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future. For now, the people of Cali remain focused on survival, hoping for a swift recovery and the return of normalcy to their lives.